PSAT Reading Question 109: Answer and Explanation

Question: 109

What theme is communicated through the experiences of Pip, the narrator?

• A. The world can be a puzzling and sometimes cruel place.
• B. Young people are misunderstood by their elders.
• C. Mean-spirited people deserve to be treated harshly.
• D. The favors one receives in life should be reciprocated.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

A

Difficulty: Hard

Category: Global

Getting to the Answer: Study the answer choices. Eliminate any that go too far in their interpretation of characters and events in the passage. Though (B) seems to reflect what might be true of Pip and Mr. Pumblechook's relationship, and one might believe that (C) and (D) are true, the correct answer is (A). This theme most clearly reflects the message conveyed through Pip's experiences in this passage.